What child psychiatrists notice about children’s mental health after the holidays

January is often described as a “reset” month for adults, but in paediatric mental health clinics, it tells a different story for children and adolescents. In the weeks following the holiday season child psychiatrists frequently observe subtle yet significant changes in young patients – changes that are easy to dismiss as moodiness or laziness, but may reflect genuine emotional strain.While terms like “Blue Monday” have gained popular attention, emotional distress in children during this period is not about a single day. It is about transition, pressure and disruption of routine, all of which peak after the holidays. The holiday season provides children a break and diversion from their daily routine. Staying up till late, longer screen times, less restrictions and less academic work are common for a lot of children during this time.However, when children need to return to school and follow a structured routine once again, many find it difficult to get back into that zone quickly.In clinical practice, doctors observe this transition in one or more of these ways:For adolescents, these symptoms may be accompanied by withdrawal, mood changes or sudden and increased anxiety about their academic performance.January coincides with examinations and assessments, and many even experience stress related to results. Children tend to internalise expectations from parents, teachers and themselves, without openly expressing distress.Child psychiatrists often see:These are emotional signs, not behavioural problems, that call for attention rather than discipline.Winter months bring shorter daylight hours and reduced outdoor activity. During the winter school break in December, most children have disrupted sleep cycles combined with excessive screen exposure, which continues well into January.Poor sleep can directly affect: emotions, concentration and memory, besides lowering tolerance to stress. In adolescents, irregular sleep patterns can worsen anxiety and depressive symptoms, even in those with no prior mental health diagnosis.Temporary low moods during re-adjustment after a school break, is normal. However, parents should seek professional help if symptoms:Early support can prevent short-term stress from becoming a long-term mental health concern.Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference. These are not difficult steps, but involve re-establishing predictable routines for sleep and meals, encouraging outdoor activity and physical movement to keep “happy hormones” active, and limiting screen use, especially before bedtime.In nuclear family setups, parents also need to create time for open, non-judgemental conversations either at the dinner table or before bedtime, as that helps children talk in a safe space. And avoid dismissing emotions with reactions like “it’s just a phase”.Children cannot always articulate in words that they are going through emotional distress, but their behaviour often indicates something is wrong. January is a time when listening to your child becomes more important than course correction. If parents can recognise emotional fatigue early on, it allows them to respond with empathy rather than in panic.Mental health in children is not about diagnosing an illness, it is about teaching and supporting resilience during periods of change. With awareness and guidance from elders, most children can navigate this transition safely and confidently.Dr. Shorouq Motwani, Consultant – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai